Examining the Impact of Identity Profiles on Postcareer Adaptation in Student-Athletes: A Person-Centered Approach.

Three distinct identity profiles were identified among South Korean student-athletes using latent profile analysis.

• Sample consisted of 393 South Korean student-athletes (150 women; mean age = 20.05 years)
• Profiles were identified as: high multidimensional (71%), low multidimensional (24%), and exclusive athletic identity (5%)
• Profiles were based on measures of athletic, student, and exercise identity
• A three-step approach to latent profile analysis was used

Gender, career years, and national team experience significantly predicted identity profile membership.

• These three demographic variables were statistically significant predictors of which latent profile a student-athlete belonged to
• Women and those with national team experience were noted as demographic groups that may benefit from targeted support for identity development
• Career years was identified as a significant predictor alongside gender and national team experience

Student-athletes with high multidimensional identity profiles reported significantly greater perceived social support compared with other profiles.

• The high multidimensional profile (71% of sample) showed higher perceived social support than both the low multidimensional and exclusive athletic identity profiles
• Perceived social support was used as an outcome measure of postcareer adaptation
• Results suggest multidimensional identity development supports better social resources during career transition

Student-athletes with high multidimensional identity profiles reported a higher likelihood of long-term physical activity adherence compared with other profiles.

• Long-term physical activity adherence was one of the postcareer adaptation outcomes measured
• The high multidimensional group (71%) showed significantly greater likelihood of physical activity adherence than the low multidimensional (24%) and exclusive athletic identity (5%) groups
• Exercise identity was one of the identity dimensions included in profile construction

Student-athletes with high multidimensional identity profiles reported lower career concerns compared with other profiles.

• Career concerns served as an outcome measure of postcareer adaptation
• The high multidimensional profile group reported significantly lower career concerns than both other profile groups
• This finding suggests that broader identity development beyond athletic identity may buffer concerns about postcareer transition

The study concludes that culturally sensitive interventions are needed to support holistic identity development and promote successful postcareer adaptation among South Korean student-athletes.

• Certain demographic groups, including women and those with national team experience, may benefit from targeted support for identity development
• The cultural context of South Korean student-athletes was emphasized as relevant to intervention design
• The authors recommend promoting multidimensional identity development (athletic, student, and exercise identities) as a protective factor for postcareer transition